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Definition of attempt

attempt

/əˈtɛmpt/
at · tempt
Plural:attempts
•
Adjective:attemptable
•
Past Simple:attempted
•
Past Participle:attempted
•
Present Participle:attempting
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attempt Lexical Profile

attempt Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

An act of trying to achieve something, typically something difficult or uncertain.

Example

"She passed her driving test on the very first attempt."

2

An unlawful act of attacking someone or trying to take a person's life.

Example

"Extra security was arranged after authorities uncovered a plot involving an attempt on the diplomat's life."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• verb

1

To make an effort to achieve or complete something difficult.

Example

"The climbers plan to attempt the summit early tomorrow morning if the weather holds."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for attempt

• Nearby Words

attainability
attainable
attainment
attempt
attend
attendance
attendant

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the late 14th century from Old French attempter, from Latin attemptāre ('to try'), formed from ad- ('toward') and temptāre ('to feel, test, or try').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Attempt. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/attempt
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